I'm Pregnant. Should I Add Okra to My Plate?
Okra—also known as lady’s fingers—is a popular vegetable in many cuisines around the world. Nutritious and rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, okra is often used in traditional medicine and it has been suggested that it may have benefits for pregnant people as well.
Now if I’m being honest, I wasn’t a huge fan of okra as a child. Growing up in a Trinidadian household, okra was the star ingredient in many dishes including callaloo which—although delicious—has a…um, “distinct” texture. Okra pods are “mucilaginous,” giving a slimy feel when eaten and especially when its cooked.
When I became a mother, my own mother prepared many meals that were restorative and nourishing to my postpartum healing phase, callaloo being one of them. As a childbirth educator, I’m able to recommend it to expecting parents as it offers so many benefits to the birthing process.
While there is limited scientific research on the specific effects of okra on pregnancy, the nutritional content of okra and its potential benefits for maternal health are well worth considering adding to your diet.
Why is okra so slimy?
First things first: let’s address the slime that many folks are put off by in okra. What makes okra slimy or mucus like (mucilage) are its polysaccharides, which can help soothe the gut and protect against chronic inflammation. Keeping digestive issues and inflammation at bay is a valuable factor for anyone but especially during pregnancy. And speaking of keeping issues at bay…
What are other nutritional benefits of okra?
✔ Okra helps your body remove excess toxins, waste and keeps unhealthy cholesterol levels low.
✔ Because of its high insoluble fiber content, okra helps regulate blood sugar levels and also keeps your bowel movements regular during pregnancy.
✔ Okra is rich in vitamins B6, A and C, antioxidants and folic acid, which is an early building block for brain and spinal cord development. This is key because good folic acid levels can prevent birth defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. So if you’re currently trying to conceive, grab a handful of okra and enjoy!
✔ Okra is also a good source of iron, which is important for the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body’s tissues, making it a great safeguard against anemia, which can cause extreme tiredness.
Overall, okra is a nutritious addition to a healthy diet during pregnancy. Its potential benefits for maternal and fetal health make it worth considering as part of a balanced diet. However, it is important to consume okra in moderation and speak with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Can eating okra make vaginal birth smoother?
Many cultures have enjoyed the benefits of okra and have seen a significant improvement in the ease of vaginal births when okra is consumed during the last trimester of pregnancy.
Remember the mucilage that I referenced? That slime literally soothes inflammation, coats the gut lining and our body’s tissues and perhaps even the vaginal wall.
Many women and birthing people, particularly those in the Black American Southern, Afro-Caribbean and West African community agree that okra helps babies “slide out” during the birthing (stage 2) phase of labor. While its anecdotal and not scientifically proven, the nutritional benefits of consuming okra are certainly worth adding it to your diet. It certainly will build a strong birthing body, which puts you in a great position to give birth vaginally and heal afterwards.
What are some okra recipes?
Sliced raw and put on a salad, roasted, or sautéed and added to soups, stews, or stir-fries…there are many ways to incorporate okra into your diet.
One of the simplest ways to consume okra is in water. Okra water in particular has become pretty popular in the past few years. It’s easy to make and it hits two birds with one stone: offering you the necessary hydration required in pregnancy as well as the nutritional benefits of okra.
You’ll need:
5 okra pods
1 cup water
8 ounce mason jar or any other large cup/container
Preparation of okra water:
Wash the okra pods well.
Cut off both ends of the pods and slice the okra in about 1 inch pieces.
Place the sliced okra in the jar and fill with water.
Soak the pods in the refrigerator for at least 8 about hours and up to 1 day.
Strain the okra from the water and enjoy! Consume within a day or two and make fresh okra water when needed.
Click here to get the recipe for Replenishing Callaloo.
If you’re looking for something a little more rich, warm and flavorful, try this soothing, replenishing callaloo, a nod to the traditional Trinidadian callaloo I grew up on. This recipe is part of a free guide I created to help expecting parents meal plan for their 4th trimester.
Whether you’re aiming for a smooth delivery or simply a nutritious start for you and your growing baby, okra is an MVP in the building of a strong birthing body. Consider ways you can incorporate into your diet as you move through your pregnancy. Just had your baby? It’s not too late! Your healing body will definitely thank you for adding some okra to your plate.
